Antonio’s Pizzeria, a beloved staple of Westerville, Ohio, will close its doors for good later this week. The decision comes after more than 20 years in business, following what owner Rita Vaccari Pavuk described as “irreconcilable differences” with the landlord. The pizzeria will shut down after service on July 19.
Antonio’s Pizzeria has been a favorite spot for pizza lovers since the early 2000s. Known for its delicious food and family-friendly atmosphere, the pizzeria became an essential part of the local dining scene.
The restaurant was originally founded in Uptown Westerville in 1977 by Sam and Frances Giuliani. After a series of ownership changes, Rita Vaccari Pavuk and Robert Giuliani took over in 2005 and continued the tradition, using the same recipes that made the pizzeria famous.
Antonio’s pizzeria earns numerous awards and recognition for its delicious pizza
Antonio’s earned several prestigious awards during its time in business, further solidifying its place in Westerville’s culinary scene. The pizzeria won first place at the Slice of Columbus competition in 2011, and it also placed in the top 10 in the North American Pizza Pizazz Competition from 2007 to 2009. Locals and visitors alike flocked to the pizzeria, drawn by its award-winning pizza and loyal customer base.
The decision to close was a difficult one for Pavuk and the team at Antonio’s, who made every effort to keep the restaurant running. The closure marks the end of an era for many Westerville residents who will miss the familiar faces and comforting meals.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Final Day of Service | July 19 |
| Reason for Closure | Irreconcilable differences with the landlord |
| Location | 7001 Sunbury Rd. STE C, Westerville, Ohio |
| Awards | First place at Slice of Columbus (2011), Top 10 in North American Pizza Pizazz Competition (2007-2009) |
A farewell to Antonio’s pizzeria: Reflecting on the community impact and final days
With the closure date approaching, many patrons are reminiscing about their favorite memories at Antonio’s. Whether it was a family dinner, a celebration, or a casual meal, Antonio’s will always be remembered for the lasting impact it had on the community.
If you’ve been a fan of Antonio’s, now is the time to visit one last time before they close their doors. It’s a chance to say goodbye to the pizzeria that helped shape the local food scene for over two decades.